Reading, reviewing and sharing the love for our favourite books for both adults and children

My October Reading Round Up

Over the past month I have read 16 books and in this pile there are some truly memorable books that will stay with me for a long time. The quality of the new releases recently has been amazing and there are some brilliant upcoming books due to be released including a few fantastic reads by debut authors!

Festive Reads

I absolutely love Christmas and there are some brilliant festive reads in the pile that I have read over the past month that will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas and leave you wanting to put your decorations up and explore the festive drinks menu at your local coffee shop.

Below I have included the Christmas reads I have read in October and an extract from their reviews.

A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson – A fantastic addition to the Comfort Food Cafe series, I have loved snuggling down to read the story of Katie and Saul and I hope that there will be more books set in the lovely idyllic village of Budbury at the Comfort Food Cafe.

The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo – This is a beautiful story that is wonderfully interwoven with the original to ensure that the story of The Snowman released 40 years ago has not been lost. It is the perfect story to curl up with your younger children and read whilst snuggling with a Hot Chocolate and a lovely way for older children to experience the magic of Christmas.

A Miracle on Hope Street by Emma Heatherington – A Miracle on Hope Street is a beautiful story about loss, love and finding a reason to hope again. It is a story full of characters from all walks of life who have loved and lost and through being united are finding reasons to hope again.

No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley – A lovely warm fuzzy read that wraps you in a hug, Will and Sarah are characters you can empathise with and the story that pulls you in, so you keep turning the pages to find out what happens. A highly recommended read that will get you in the mood for Christmas and have you wishing for snow so you can make a snowman and snow angels.

My October 5* Reads

Below I have included the 5* reads I have read in October and an extract from their reviews.

Betsy & Lilibet by Sophie Duffy – I found this story captivating and I quickly became connected to Betsy and wanted to keep reading. She was a strong female in a time where women had no choice but to be strong, these characteristics remained long after the war and paved her way through life.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom – The Five People you Meet in Heaven is a beautiful story that guides you through Eddie’s journey to Heaven and the five people who played a key part in his life along the way.

Will You Remember Me by Amanda Prowse – A story that takes you on the guaranteed rollercoaster of emotions that accompany any book Amanda Prowse writes. It explores relationships, family bonds, friendship and loss and leaves you feeling bereft and that you’ve lost a member of your family.

Debut Books

I have had the delight recently of reading a few debut novels that are due to be released!

How to Bake a New Beginning by Lucy Knott – released in September published by HQ Digital

The cover of this book caught my eye and I am so pleased I picked it up. A brilliant story that I absolutely loved and has made me want to nibble on Italian treats. The characters are memorable and it was set in a beautiful location, the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly evening. I look forward to seeing what Lucy Knott releases next definitely an author to look out for!

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer – due to be released in January published by Avon Books

I loved this book it is the perfect feel good read with a touch of magic and mystery thrown in. I felt like the characters were my neighbours and I wanted to keep reading to see what happens to Lucy next and whether she finally starts to believe in herself. This is a heart warming debut novel and I look forward to seeing what gems Jenni Keer has in store for us in the future.